Rebuttal: Steve Stewart

Nov. 2, 2012

Steve Stewart

Written by

Steve Stewart

My View

This Tuesday, voters will make a decision about which candidates best represent them, their values and their goals for the future. Local races, though often overshadowed by national campaigns, can be more impactful to the day-to-day life of an average voter. Ninety percent of the services utilized by citizens will be delivered at the local level. From dependable trash pickup and utility services to clean parks for neighborhood ball games, our local government has a duty to be reliable and trustworthy.

I became involved in city government several years ago by researching, then publicizing examples of leadership abusing that trust. Citizens deserve more from those who would seek to be their leaders. And citizens deserve more from the campaigns than misleading attacks and empty promises. Over a year ago, I put forth my agenda on my website (votestevestewart.com). I have named specific ways I would engage the citizens, improve the economy, increase transparency and keep the best and brightest of our university system here in town.

The Tallahassee Democrat was impressed enough with my track record and my agenda to endorse my candidacy back in August. Having failed to compete in the arena of ideas, my opponent has resorted to the kind of gotcha tricks so common in his three failed statewide races. But the Democrat got it right the first time.

I have spoken out and led when local leadership has failed to put the interests of Tallahassee residents first. We register lobbyists now because I made a campaign issue out of it. We have seen rebates and lower utility rates after I ran on the issue two years ago. We have chartered a committee to study our ethics code — an issue I have championed for years.

These show the good that can come when leadership and citizens work together. But too often, the voices of informed and concerned citizens get shut out by insiders with access. That has to change.

On Tuesday, we have a choice. We can continue the progress we have all helped achieve, putting the community’s improvement above special interests. We can broaden measures of transparency and access, ensuring that Tallahassee remains a great place to work, live and play. Together, we can move into the sunlight of open and honest government. I ask for your vote to allow me to help continue to lead us there.